Anthony Elanga's 28.9m strike secures Sweden's last‑32 place

Anthony Elanga's 28.9‑metre curling effort earned Sweden a 1‑1 draw with Japan at Dallas Stadium, marking the first consecutive World Cup goals by a Swedish player since Martin Dahlin and Kennet Andersson in 1994 and securing a place in the tournament's last‑32. The result gave Sweden four points in Group F. The 28.9‑metre strike, scored by Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga, was a curling effort from outside the box. At 28.9 m it ranks as the second‑longest World Cup goal by a Swedish player since records began in 1966, surpassed only by Anders Svensson’s 30.9 m strike against Argentina in 2002. Sweden’s 1‑1 draw with Japan at Dallas Stadium secured a third‑place finish in Group F. The side, coached by Graham Potter, accumulated four points to advance to the knockout stage.

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Advancement guarantees Sweden a place in the round of 32. Their next opponent will be drawn from France, Norway, Germany or Switzerland.

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The tournament’s last‑32 draw will determine Sweden’s opponent among the four European nations. Sweden will aim to build on the momentum from Elanga’s historic goal.